The combination of two of the most popular dogs, the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, results in a Goldendoodle. The size of the puppy is determined by the size of the parents. Artificial or surgical insemination can result in toy size dogs or miniature Goldendoodles.
Although they are not purebred dogs, they are increasing in popularity due to the characteristics of both breeds.
According the Goldendoodle Association of North America, the standards of the mini Goldendoodle are as follows:
- The litter must be a mix of the physical characteristics of both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever.
- The resulting dogs should have the temperament of the Golden Retriever. They must be friendly and easily socialized.
- The only two breeds that infused are the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.
- There is no tail docking or alteration of the body except for the allowable removable of the dew claw.
Breeders will breed a toy Miniature or small Standard Poodle with a Golden Retriever. The resulting litter will have the characteristics of both breeds. Ideally the puppies will be the preferred size. It is also true that recessive genes or the genes of one or the other of the parents will dominate. Miniature Goldendoodles will reach a weight of forty pounds or less.
Families with members that are allergic seek the miniature Goldendoodles due to its hypoallergenic coat and modest size. While there is no breed that is totally allergen free, the mini Goldendoodles shed less than either the Golden Retriever or the Poodle. Often this coat is easier to maintain. Professional grooming is not necessary except for occasional trims or nail cutting.
If you research the characteristics of both breeds carefully, the many different characteristics will become evident. The Miniature Goldendoodles can have any of these characteristics. They can have the calm social temperament of the Golden Retriever or the temperament of the various sizes of Poodles. Enquire as to the method used to breed the animals. Occasional multi-generation crosses are done or the breeder may select to produce a litter that is 50% purebred Golden Retriever to 50% purebred Poodle.
Crossbred miniature Goldendoodles are classified the same as all other hybrid breeds. Using purebred A and B, the classifications are as follows:
- F1 is a first generation puppy that is 50% poodle and 50% Golden Retriever.
- F1b is 25% A and 75% B. This would be a goldendoodle bred with a poodle. This particular match will give you the mini Goldendoodles that are least likely to shed and has the least troublesome coat to care for.
- F2 is a second-generation puppy. Here, the litter is the result of breeding an F1 to an F1. This match may have increased shedding.
- F2b is the cross of an F1 bred to a hybrid backcross (F1b).
- F3 is the result of breeding an F2 to an F2.
Experienced breeders can give you the information that is necessary to select the puppy you may desire. They can inform you as to the characteristics of the dog as the puppy turns into an adult. Experienced breeders tell you what type of coat your puppy will have. Temperament is not as easily determined. Many of the temperament characteristics are not seen until the dog ages.
Choose carefully. Dogs are not toys that are disposed of when you tire of them. They are living creatures that require care, training and love. Miniature Goldendoodles are no different. Although they are one of the first hybrid dogs that are multi-generational, there are still those pesky recessive genes that can surface.